Yahoo Forum Archive

Title: Hard To Forgive, Hard To Forget · Author: laiquendi · Genres:
Drama: Incomplete · ID: 922
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-15 23:24:18
The journey home of Legolas and Gimli after the Quest. Much banter and
angst.
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Title: The Still Point · Author: stultiloquentia · Times: The Great
Years: Gondor · ID: 87
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-15 23:45:14
What I love about this story is the quiet comfort that Aragorn and Arwen
seem to have with each other - the kind of thing I would only expect
after a long marriage, like the way Arwen knows that Aragorn has awoken.
It's a really beautiful portrait of the commitment they have for each other.
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Title: A Bad Day Gone Good · Author: MysteriousWays · Genres: Humor: The
Shire · ID: 229
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-16 00:13:34
Ouch! This piece really made me feel for poor Nibs, and the trials of
being so small.
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Title: The Usurper · Author: Elena Tiriel · Times: Early Third Age:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 834
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-16 00:16:18
This drabble really does an effective job of showing just how cruel
someone like Castamir could be. The irony is that if Eldacar's son is a
true traitor like Castamir seems convinced of, then the burning of this
southern city would be no great torment to him (other than that it would
bring about his own death, obviously). It makes me think that perhaps
Castamir is more cruel than cunning, which doesn't bode too well for
Gondor. Really nice gapfiller, Elena!
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Title: A Change In The Weather · Author: Marigold · Races: Hobbits:
Fixed-Length Ficlet series · ID: 692
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-16 01:56:50
The drabbles that I love most involve a turn-around of some sort, either
on what the canon sets us up to expect or by something established in
the drabble itself. And each of these drabbles does just that, providing
a nice contrast with how the hobbits might have reacted to the different
seasons. The initial reactiions were perfectly in-character, too. These
are really good examples of what a drabble sound do and could serve as
an example to any trying to learn the art. But more than that, they're
great glimpses at those hobbits -- nice job, Mari.
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Title: Home At Last · Author: Dreamflower · Times: Late Third Age: The
Shire · ID: 883
Reviewer: Marta · 2006-11-16 02:58:05
Many stories about Bilbo's return to the Shire focus on the auction, but
this story takes a different approach and gives us Bilbo a few weeks
later. It's an affective device and almost reminds me of how Frodo felt
so different from hobbits after *his* quest.
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Title: To Labour and to Wait · Author: Gwynnyd · Races: Men: Featuring
Aragorn · ID: 838
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-11-16 03:16:36
This is a lovely story of one rest stop on the journey of the
Fellowship. The author achieves a long into the heart of mind of Aragorn
by following his thought processes. Amazing use of imagination to fill
in the missing parts of what Aragorn has been doing all those years. The
author alternates the point of view Aragorn with that of Legolas and
what a charming in-character Legolas this is--very elven and so right.
The Legolas/Hobbit interactions are so well done also. The writer does a
great job of bringing Arwen to life through Aragorn's reflections on the
past. Also, I liked the choice of the jumping off point. Why does
Aragorn announce himself to Éomer as he does on their first encounter in
the grasslands of Rohan. I always wondered exactly why he spoke to Éomer
as he did. All I could come up with was that he felt like time was
running out--that it was a kind of now or never thing. The author
presents her own interesting speculation.

The observations from the point of view of Legolas and the careful
characterization of him are the real surprise here. I expected a
careful, in-character Aragorn in the story--something Gwynnyd does
consistently well--but extra points are in order for presenting Legolas
so well.

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Title: The Salt-Rose · Author: Lady Aranel · Genres: Romance: Incomplete
· ID: 283
Reviewer: Dreamflower · 2006-11-16 05:11:04
This has a very intriguing premise--Legolas attracted by a lady of the
Haradrim. There is very little to go by so far, but it looks interesting.
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Title: Earth, Water, Fire and Air · Author: Fileg · Genres: Drama:
Fixed-Length Ficlet Series · ID: 469
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-16 05:46:52
These are beautifully crafted and seem to me to sum up the characters of
Eowyn, Arwen, Aragorn and Faramir. Apparently simple drabbles - but
really anything but!
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Title: Relief · Author: Acacea · Genres: Drama: Pre-Fellowship · ID: 518
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-16 05:52:32
I suppose Denethor would not have become so ensnared by the Palantir if
it hadn't shown it had definite advantages. Acquiring ahead of time the
knowledge to save his firstborn - that's the sort of thing that could
sucker in anyone. Mind you, it's a very good thing that Faramir arrived
when he did! And, in an ultimate irony, the survival of Boromir - and
Faramir - led to the success of Frodo's mission!
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Title: Swan Dance · Author: Rhapsody · Times: First Age and Prior:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 797
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2006-11-16 06:08:21
Poignant drabble of the sons of Feanor as they participate in the kin
slaying.
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Title: A Memorial in Four Parts · Author: Illwynd · Races:
Cross-Cultural · ID: 702
Reviewer: Bodkin · 2006-11-16 06:10:45
Very touching. I loved little Faramir and Boromir exploring the misty
city - but I think my favourite part was Frodo seeing the parallels
between Boromir's weakness and his own and the silent reconciliation
between them. (Not that I didn't like the Merry/Pippin and Aragorn
parts, too!) A most enjoyable quartet.
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Title: A Mud Summer Night's Dream · Author: SueB · Genres: Humor: Gondor
· ID: 712
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2006-11-16 06:15:42
Mud and madness get flung about in this delightful tale of a foray into
Mordor by Aragorn, Eomer, and Faramir in pursuit of a band of orcs.
"Mud' was originally written as a "swooning" piece for those women with
a yen to imagine these characters as played by Jackson's actors--without
their shirts! However, Sue's tale extends beyond a "swoon" piece to
include some great action sequences, the best ones of which take place
in the glorious mud.
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Title: THE DAWNING · Author: digdigil · Genres: Drama: First Age Elves ·
ID: 938
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-11-16 06:20:59
This ficlet is a great little vignette. The story is a creative
explanation of one possible version of the awakening of Maedhros after
his rescue from Thangorodrim. Not the usual tragic, angst-ridden fare
that is an earmark of most recountings of this scene. Hope, tenderness,
gentle care taking: yes, there is all of that in abundance. And I thank
you for not giving us brutal details about the loss of his hand. I truly
do not want to undermine the serious aspects of the story here, but the
author really is quite a tease. Please, nekkid Maedhrosdont be shy,
bat your eyes at me and say that you didnt think anyone would take it
the way that I did. But, in all fairness, and not wanting to scare for
the faint-hearted, I must emphasize that there is nothing in this short
vignette that is in any way graphic; it is, indeed, most innocent on the
surface. But the author cannot deny she is playing with our imagination
just a bit here. And when Maedhros comments that he is not what he might
have been before, the OFC who is caring for him understandably answers
[although to me your beauty is like that of a sunset.]. All I can
thinks is: Yep, Ill bit it is. Please forgive the salacious review.
-----------------------------------
Title: Shattered Twilight · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Drama: First Age
Elves · ID: 247
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-11-16 06:58:02
This very short story is a perfectly chilling and appropriately creepy
account of an obsessive love. This author has mastered the ability to
convey so much, so many layers of meaning in drabbles and short stories.
Maeglin's use of such lovely imagery in his descriptions of Idril and
how her beauty affects him only compounds the level of unease of the
reader as the story progresses and conveys a psychological validity to
and explanation for what the reader knows is the outcome of his passion.
If all that had come before were not more than enough to determine the
wonderful tone achieved in this short vignette, there is one perfectly
shocking line: ["Her scent, her long silken hair, her soft hands that
caressed my cheek on the day my father poisoned my mother."] Grim stuff,
extremely well presented.
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Title: The question of being fair · Author: Rhapsody · Genres: Humor:
Fixed-Length Ficlet · ID: 796
Reviewer: Oshun · 2006-11-16 07:22:45
This is a funny little drabble. It is definitely fun to be young, fair
and have beautiful golden hair that all the girls notice. It is
certainly unfair to be confused for one of your relatives by those same
admiring maidens. Such confusion must be ended and Celegorm is perfectly
capable of doing that.
-----------------------------------
Title: A Lasting Peace · Author: SueB · Genres: Drama · ID: 711
Reviewer: stefaniab · 2006-11-16 07:40:18
What I like best about "A Lasting Peace" is Sue's ability to draw you
from a chair in front of a computer and plop you into a world of dark
adventure before you even realize that her tale has got you in its grip.

"A Lasting Peace" is, above all else, a good adventure story with a bit
of depth to it, due to themes of tolerance and forgiving. The battle
scenes are vivid and exciting. The torture scenes, though thankfully not
too terribly graphic, still express the horror of Faramir's experience.
The characterizations are strong, particularly for the male characters.
Eowyn, too, becomes more well-rounded as the story enfolds.

I personally appreciate that Sue chose to use film Faramir as the basis
for her Steward hero. Sue's Faramir is more direct and much less wimpy
than fanon tends to interpret his dark-haired, book-based alter ego.
Faramir's characterization is well-drawn, but I also want to give Sue
props for her handling of minor characters, as well. Her OC Henvain
especially comes alive as the valiant every day solider. I rooted for
him throughout the tale. And big props for making Legolas fully
likeable. I'm not usually a fan of his.

Another plus for "A Lasting Peace" is Sue's attention to detail in the
settings her characters find themselves in. Her descriptions of the
characters' surroundings help to plunge you into their world and the
action of the story. My only criticism is with the leading bad guy,
Karil. He's soooo evil that he becomes a bit of a caraceture.

This is a great tale for those who like their Middle Earth stories
action packed. Regardless of how you might feel about stories inspired
by the Movie verse," A Lasting Peace" is worth checking out for its
great pace, action sequences, and compelling characters.
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Title: Whispers in the Dark · Author: Marigold/SlightlyTookish CoAuthors
· Races: Hobbits: Merry & Pippin · ID: 919
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-16 09:57:32
I remember reading this story a while ago and back then I was stunned
about this story about Love. Now that I read it again that impression
still stands. This short story deals with the discovery of true love and
both authors leave it in between if both Hobbits loved each other
before the quest or not. It might be that the events during the quest,
mainly taken captive by the Uruk-Hai mostly, made them realise how much
they love each other. I love the way how this story develops while you
read it, from trying to word those feelings, the decision to wait to be
together sexually, even though both can only imagine how it can be. The
setting in which the two hobbits talk is so beautifully described too,
but it isnt dominant in the piece: the character development and the
growth of their relationship is central here. But most of all: it is a
touching story about Love. Not only the Love between the two brothers,
but love for their (fallen) comrades, love for nature and Middle Earth.
This is a very touching story written by these two fabulous authors.
-----------------------------------
Title: In The Pits Of Utumno · Author: Jay of Lasgalen · Races: Elves ·
ID: 164
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-16 10:04:23
Ah, this is such a great short work. I love the way in which Jay brings
us a very suspenseful moment in the pits of Angband, which felt very
real to me. Then halfway, the story slowly merges from the point of
view to Elladan and Elrohir when Erestor is catching them. I had to
laugh when Jay revealed who Melkor was and this is what makes the
story so great when you read it again. The second re-read gave me the
feeling of reading a Calvin& Hobbes cartoon, where Calvin is off again
in his mind on big adventures. This story gives the reader the same
feeling and it leaves me wondering how this could be played out in a
cartoon. Great work Jay!
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Title: Consequences of a Fall · Author: Dreamflower · Races: Hobbits:
Hurt/Comfort · ID: 221
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-16 10:10:56
I simply love this story. Initially it was posted to a yahoo group where
Dreamflower kept us on the edge of our seats with the next instalment
which almost gave it a feel of a (well written) soap where the reader
was kept wondering what would happen next. This story is filled with
family interaction, gossip & rumours and how it can affect others. As
the story progresses, details are unfolded in a natural pacing and ends
with a satisfying end. The characters, especially the minor ones, are
well explored and have come to life to me while Dreamflower has done the
obvious and thorough research to write this. Brava Dreamflower, you
treated us again to a magnificent story!
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Title: Nothing but Dreams · Author: Unsung Heroine · Genres: Drama:
First Age Elves · ID: 659
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-16 10:26:46
The seeds of Melkors works shine through in this story. Caranthir
struggles with the defeat and escape from the Nirnaeth, the defeat that
was caused by an ally he thought he could trust, especially after his
experiences with Haleth. And he struggles with the question how one
tribe of men can be proven to be trustworthy, where the other stabs them
in the back at the moment where Melkor could have been beaten, where
victory was just in their grasp. All seven lost so much in this battle,
but this story sheds a light in Caranthirs losses. I find it so
touching to read how Caranthir found his home and his peace in the East
of Beleriand:

[If I could go back to those times I would, without hesitation. I still
miss it. I miss my land beyond the rivers, my mountain refuge on the
shores of the lake, its waters shining like polished black glass.]

But all is lost to him simply because he could trust Ulfang and his sons
while trying to contribute greatly to the Union of Maedhros. I love the
way how the author explores Caranthir's drive to contribute to this. It
makes me wonder if it is Maedhros who is tending to him, but the author
leaves that up to the reader to decide.

[Ive achieved nothing in my life, I continue. I have no children,
the only home I ever had has been taken and destroyed, the person I
loved with all my heart left me for some desolate forest, and the one
time I tried to make things right& it should have been me who died in
that battle. More so than Fingon, more so than those Atani, even more so
than the Naugrim. I do not want be remembered forever as the one who
made alliance with him. I did not want this to happen. I did not want
this&]

And this is sadly enough the boon for all of the Fëanorians, everything
they will try to achieve will fail and Unsung Heroine does such a great
job with that. I loved this insight in Caranthirs mind and how he tried
to deal with this utter blow. So much good could have come from this,
but yeah& [There remains nothing.] And this line mirror's Caranthir's
state of mind in this piece brilliantly.
-----------------------------------
Title: Recalled To Life - Alqualonde · Author: AWing · Races: Elves:
Feanorians · ID: 787
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-16 11:49:55
A very nicely told story on how Maedhros apologises for his house to the
Telerin King. It takes a while before the story picks up on the pace and
I nearly put it down, but the ending feels authentic.
-----------------------------------
Title: She Cries Your Name · Author: MysteriousWays · Genres: Romance ·
ID: 710
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-16 11:58:21
I love the idea of Frodo finding some sort of happiness with a hobbit
lass. This story feels so playfully and the change of thoughts, where
Frodo can cast aside all worries is beautifully written. Linwe portrays
the innuendo of the Hobbits in this story in coherence with the nature
and the beauty of the Shire. This most certainly shines through in this
story and MW did an outstanding job in capturing this. Also, this moment
gives Frodo the reprieve he needs after the quest and gives the reader a
good feeling at the end, now that they have witnessed a moment of
passionate marital bliss. Maybe AU, but most definitely a great story to
read!
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Title: A Bath-time Song · Author: SlightlyTookish · Races: Hobbits:
Children · ID: 133
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-16 12:11:29
Oh this story is so cute! Bilbos wisdom and experience with little
hobbits shines through here. I smiled when I read Frodos and Merrys
reaction to another walk of mathom hunting with Pippin, but Bilbo takes
over so naturally. The song is used greatly in this story, especially
when it is woven together with Pippins bath and Bilbos observations.
It was only at the end that I realised that the song came from LOTR,
before that I thought it was written by the author itself - which says a
lot about the Tolkien-feel I got when reading this story. Greatly
written and the story ends way too soon&
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Title: On Being the Youngest · Author: Bodkin · Races: Cross-Cultural:
With Hobbits · ID: 45
Reviewer: Rhapsody · 2006-11-16 12:20:56
Delightfully light, but yet a story with darker undertones. I love the
way in which this story is set up and how the conversation between
Legolas and Pippin, but heirs of a title, meander from apples and cider
to who will be chosen to go on the Quest. And who can beat this kind of
Pippin logic: [Well  Im young enough to be optimistic. Pippins
sharp eyes assessed the fair prince. And so are you. If were going to
sneak, we need to be people who can get by without being noticed. You
cant not notice Glorfindel.]

So true!! And I think Bodkin has it spot on here how these two
characters were so valuable to the quest (well besides disrupting things
or ending up in trouble). At the same time the author explores the
differences and similarities between these two. This story reads so
pleasantly with the right balance in dialogue and narrative: a treat to
read!
-----------------------------------